US5431675A — Locking mechanism for endoscopic or laparoscopic …

Claim 1

Independent Claim 251 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a housing portion; an endoscopic portion extending from said housing portion and having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said housing portion, including an inner member slidable within an outer robe member between a first position and a second position, a pair of jaw members extending from a distal end of said endoscopic portion and disposed in opposing relation and relatively pivotal about a common point between at least an open position and a closed position; and a jaw control mechanism associated with said housing portion, comprising: at least one actuating member movably mounted in said housing portion said at least one acuating member adapted to move said jaw members from a first position to a second position and from said second position to said first position; and a linking member pivotally connected to said at least one actuating member and said inner member, said linking member having locking means disposed thereon for locking said linking member with respect to said housing portion such that when said least one actuating member is moved in relation to said housing portion in a first direction to said first position, said inner member becomes locked in said first position and when said at least one actuating member is moved in relation to said housing portion in a second direction to said second position said inner member is movable with respect to said housing portion.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 251 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a housing portion; an endoscopic portion extending from said housing portion and having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said housing portion, including an inner member slidable within an outer robe member between a first position and a second position, a pair of jaw members extending from a distal end of said endoscopic portion and disposed in opposing relation and relatively pivotal about a common point between at least an open position and a closed position; and a jaw control mechanism associated with said housing portion, comprising: at least one actuating member movably mounted in said housing portion said at least one acuating member adapted to move said jaw members from a first position to a second position and from said second position to said first position; and a linking member pivotally connected to said at least one actuating member and said inner member, said linking member having locking means disposed thereon for locking said linking member with respect to said housing portion such that when said least one actuating member is moved in relation to said housing portion in a first direction to said first position, said inner member becomes locked in said first position and when said at least one actuating member is moved in relation to said housing portion in a second direction to said second position said inner member is movable with respect to said housing portion.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 44 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 1 further comprising means for preventing said inner member from moving from said first position whereby coaxial reciprocating forces are created in said inner member when said at least one actuating member is moved to said first position.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 31 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 1 wherein said at least one actuating member of said jaw control mechanism comprises: at least one rotatable member pivotally connected to said housing portion.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 67 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 3 wherein said locking means further includes: a notch portion disposed on said linking member; and an engaging portion disposed on said actuating member such that when said actuating member is moved in relation to said housing portion in said first direction to said first position said engaging portion engages said notch releasably locking said inner member in said first position.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 27 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 3 wherein said locking means includes a notch disposed between a first end and a second end of said linking member.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 75 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 1 wherein said at least one actuating member of said jaw control mechanism comprises: a pair of rotatable members pivotally connected to said housing portion; and a rigid member pivotally connecting said rotatable members such that movement of either of said rotatable members between at least a first position and a second position causes said linking member to move between at least a first position and a second position.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 27 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 6 wherein said locking means includes a notch disposed between a first end and a second end of said linking member.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 50 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 7 wherein at least one of said rotatable members includes means for engaging said notch so that said linking member becomes releasably locked relative to said rotatable member upon movement of said rotatable member to at least one of said first and second positions.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 15 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 8 wherein said engaging means includes a pin member.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 47 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 1 wherein each of said jaw members comprises a gripping surface having a longitudinal channel thereon such that when a curved needle is grasped between said jaw members said needle contacts said jaw members at four points along a surface thereof.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 44 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 1 wherein said at least one actuating member includes at least one gripping portion thereon such that an operator of said instrument can manipulate said instrument and operate said at least one actuating member with a single hand.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 36 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 1 wherein said at least one actuating member includes a surface for enhancing actuation such that said actuating member is readily movable by operator contact along said actuation enhancing surface.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 33 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 1 wherein said at least one actuating member includes a knurled surface such that said actuating member is readily movable by operator contact along said knurled surface.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 26 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 1 wherein each of said jaw members comprises a gripping surface having a plurality of rows of teeth disposed thereon.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 23 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 14 wherein said rows of teeth are oriented diagonal to a longitudinal axis of said jaw members.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 171 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a housing portion; an endoscopic portion extending from said housing portion and having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said housing portion, including an inner member slidable within an outer tube member between a first position and a second position, a pair of jaw members extending from a distal end of said endoscopic portion and disposed in opposing relation and relatively pivotal about a common point between at least an open position and a closed position; and at least one rotatable jaw control means associated with said housing portion and operably connected to at least one of said inner member and said outer tube member for controlling opening and closure of said jaw members, said at least one rotatable jaw control means being movable from a first position to a second position to open said jaw members and from said second position to said first position to close said jaw members.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 171 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a housing portion; an endoscopic portion extending from said housing portion and having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said housing portion, including an inner member slidable within an outer tube member between a first position and a second position, a pair of jaw members extending from a distal end of said endoscopic portion and disposed in opposing relation and relatively pivotal about a common point between at least an open position and a closed position; and at least one rotatable jaw control means associated with said housing portion and operably connected to at least one of said inner member and said outer tube member for controlling opening and closure of said jaw members, said at least one rotatable jaw control means being movable from a first position to a second position to open said jaw members and from said second position to said first position to close said jaw members.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 21 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 16 further comprising locking means for releasably locking said jaw members in a fixed position.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 73 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 17 wherein said locking means includes a linking member pivotally connected to said at least one rotatable jaw control means and said inner member, said linking member having retaining means disposed thereon for retaining said inner member such that upon movement of said at least one rotatable jaw control means to either said first position or said second position said retaining means releasably retains said inner member.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 78 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 18 wherein said a least one rotatable jaw control means is movable in relation to said housing portion in a first direction to said first position such that said inner member becomes releasably locked and said at least one rotatable jaw control means is movable in relation to said housing portion in a second direction to said second position such that said inner member is movable with respect to said housing portion.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 57 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 16 further comprising a pair of rotatable jaw closure control means operably connected to said inner and outer members for controlling closure of said jaw members such that an operator of said instrument may control closure of said jaw members by movement of either of said rotatable jaw closure control means.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 151 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle; an outer tube member extending from a distal end of said handle, said outer tube member having an inner member coaxially slidable therein; a tool mechanism operatively secured at a distal end of said outer tube member, an elongated housing portion associated with said handle; and means, associated with said housing portion for: (a) controlling movement of said tool mechanism between a first position and a second position; and (b) locking said tool mechanism, said controlling and locking means being movable to a first position in a first direction to releasably lock said tool mechanism and movable in a second direction to a second position to release said tool mechanism; wherein said controlling and locking means includes an actuation member adapted to move said controlling and locking means from said first position to said second position and from said second position to said first position.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 151 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle; an outer tube member extending from a distal end of said handle, said outer tube member having an inner member coaxially slidable therein; a tool mechanism operatively secured at a distal end of said outer tube member, an elongated housing portion associated with said handle; and means, associated with said housing portion for: (a) controlling movement of said tool mechanism between a first position and a second position; and (b) locking said tool mechanism, said controlling and locking means being movable to a first position in a first direction to releasably lock said tool mechanism and movable in a second direction to a second position to release said tool mechanism; wherein said controlling and locking means includes an actuation member adapted to move said controlling and locking means from said first position to said second position and from said second position to said first position.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 104 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 21 wherein said actuation member for said controlling and locking means includes a lever pivotally connected to said housing portion and movable between at least a first position and a second position; wherein said controlling and locking means further includes a linking member pivotally connected to said lever and said inner member, said linking member having means disposed thereon for releasably maintaining said linking member with respect to said handle portion such that said inner member becomes fixed relative to said handle portion upon movement of said lever to at least one of said first and second positions.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 24 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 22 wherein said linking member includes a notch disposed between a first end and a second end thereof.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 45 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 23 wherein said lever includes means for engaging said notch so that said linking member engages said lever upon movement of said lever to at least one of said first and second positions to releasably maintain said lever thereat.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 74 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 22 wherein said actuating member is at least partially disposed within said housing portion; and further wherein said controlling and locking means further includes a linking member pivotally connected to said actuating member and said inner member, said linking member having means disposed thereon for releasably maintaining said linking member with respect to said housing portion such that said inner member becomes releasably locked in said first position.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 15 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 25 wherein said actuating member is a slidable member.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 28 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 25 wherein said releasable maintaining means includes a notch disposed between a first end and a second end of said linking member.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 42 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 27 wherein said lever includes means for engaging said notch of said linking member upon movement of said lever to at least one of said first and second positions to releasably maintain said linking member thereat.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 65 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 25 further comprising at least one rotatable member pivotally connected to said housing portion and said linking member such that movement of either said at least one rotatable member or said actuating member between at least a first position and a second position causes said linking member to move between at least a first position and a second position.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 200 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a housing portion; an endoscopic portion extending from said housing portion and having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said housing portion, including an inner member slidable within an outer tube member between a first position and a second position, a tool mechanism movable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation and opera associated with said inner and outer members and extending from a distal end of said endoscopic portion; and tool mechanism control means associated with said housing portion, comprising: first actuating means associated with said housing portion for actuating said tool mechanism, said first actuating means being movable between a first position and a second position; second actuating means associated with said housing portion actuating said tool mechanism, said second actuating means being movable between a firs position and a second position; and linking means for operably linking said inner member to each of said first and second actuating means, such that said tool mechanism is operable between first orientation and said second orientation upon actuation of either said first or said second actuation means.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 200 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a housing portion; an endoscopic portion extending from said housing portion and having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said housing portion, including an inner member slidable within an outer tube member between a first position and a second position, a tool mechanism movable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation and opera associated with said inner and outer members and extending from a distal end of said endoscopic portion; and tool mechanism control means associated with said housing portion, comprising: first actuating means associated with said housing portion for actuating said tool mechanism, said first actuating means being movable between a first position and a second position; second actuating means associated with said housing portion actuating said tool mechanism, said second actuating means being movable between a firs position and a second position; and linking means for operably linking said inner member to each of said first and second actuating means, such that said tool mechanism is operable between first orientation and said second orientation upon actuation of either said first or said second actuation means.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 44 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 30 wherein said linking means includes a latch portion such that upon movement of either of said first or said second actuation means from said respective first positions to said second positions, said inner member becomes releasably locked.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 48 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 30 wherein said tool mechanism includes a pair of jaw members extending from a distal end of said endoscopic portion and disposed in opposing relation and relatively pivotal about a common point between at least an open position and a closed position.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 186 words

A locking mechanism for a surgical instrument which instrument includes a handle portion, a body assembly secured to said handle portion, a tool mechanism secured at a distal end of said body assembly, said body assembly having an inner member slidable within an outer tube member, the locking mechanism comprising: first actuating means associated with said handle portion for actual said locking mechanism between a locked position and a released position, said first actuating means being movable between a first position and a second position to move said locking mechanism between said locked and released positions; second actuating means associated with said handle portion for actuating said locking mechanism, said second actuating means being movable between a first position and a second position to move said locking mechanism between said locked and released positions; and linking means associated with said handle portion for operably linking said inner member to each of said first and second actuating means, such that upon movement of either of said first or said second actuation means from said respective first positions to said second positions, said inner member becomes releasably locked.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 186 words

A locking mechanism for a surgical instrument which instrument includes a handle portion, a body assembly secured to said handle portion, a tool mechanism secured at a distal end of said body assembly, said body assembly having an inner member slidable within an outer tube member, the locking mechanism comprising: first actuating means associated with said handle portion for actual said locking mechanism between a locked position and a released position, said first actuating means being movable between a first position and a second position to move said locking mechanism between said locked and released positions; second actuating means associated with said handle portion for actuating said locking mechanism, said second actuating means being movable between a first position and a second position to move said locking mechanism between said locked and released positions; and linking means associated with said handle portion for operably linking said inner member to each of said first and second actuating means, such that upon movement of either of said first or said second actuation means from said respective first positions to said second positions, said inner member becomes releasably locked.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 39 words

A locking mechanism for a surgical instrument according to claim 33 further including: a latch portion disposed on said linking member; and cooperating means associated with said handle portion for cooperating with said latch portion of said linking means.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 166 words

A locking mechanism for a surgical instrument which instrument includes a handle portion, a body assembly secured to said handle portion, a tool mechanism operable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation and secured at a distal end of said body assembly, said body assembly having an inner member slidable within an outer tube member, the locking mechanism comprising: first means associated with said handle portion for actuating said tool mechanism between said at least first and second orientations; a first linking member pivotally connected to said inner member and said first actuating means; means disposed on said handle portion for cooperating with said linking member, and means disposed on said linking member for latching said linking member with respect to said cooperating means such that said inner member becomes releasably locked upon movement of said actuating means from a first position to a second position and becomes unlocked upon movement of said actuating means from said second position to said first position.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 166 words

A locking mechanism for a surgical instrument which instrument includes a handle portion, a body assembly secured to said handle portion, a tool mechanism operable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation and secured at a distal end of said body assembly, said body assembly having an inner member slidable within an outer tube member, the locking mechanism comprising: first means associated with said handle portion for actuating said tool mechanism between said at least first and second orientations; a first linking member pivotally connected to said inner member and said first actuating means; means disposed on said handle portion for cooperating with said linking member, and means disposed on said linking member for latching said linking member with respect to said cooperating means such that said inner member becomes releasably locked upon movement of said actuating means from a first position to a second position and becomes unlocked upon movement of said actuating means from said second position to said first position.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 56 words

A locking mechanism for a surgical instrument according to claim 35 further comprising: a second means associated with said handle portion for actuating said locking mechanism; and a connecting rod member connecting said first and said second actuating means such that said first actuating means and said second actuating means are operable by a single hand.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 177 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said handle portion, said endoscopic portion including an inner member slidable within an outer tube member and terminating at said distal end in a tool mechanism, said tool mechanism being operable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation; locking means including an actuating member, associated with said handle portion, for preventing movement of said tool mechanism between said at least first and second orientations wherein said actuating member of said locking means is movable from a first position to a second position to lock said tool mechanism and from said second position to said first position to unlock said tool mechanism; and means associated with said distal end of said endoscopic portion and operably associated with said locking means, for preventing said inner member from moving freely as said locking means is moved from said first position to said second position.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 177 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle portion; an endoscopic portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said handle portion, said endoscopic portion including an inner member slidable within an outer tube member and terminating at said distal end in a tool mechanism, said tool mechanism being operable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation; locking means including an actuating member, associated with said handle portion, for preventing movement of said tool mechanism between said at least first and second orientations wherein said actuating member of said locking means is movable from a first position to a second position to lock said tool mechanism and from said second position to said first position to unlock said tool mechanism; and means associated with said distal end of said endoscopic portion and operably associated with said locking means, for preventing said inner member from moving freely as said locking means is moved from said first position to said second position.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 97 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 37 wherein said actuating member includes a lever pivotally connected to said handle portion and movable between at least a first position and a second position; and wherein said locking means further includes a linking member pivotally connected to said lever and said inner member, said linking member having means disposed thereon for releasably maintaining said linking member with respect to said handle portion such that said inner member becomes fixed relative to said handle portion upon movement of said lever to at least one of said first and second positions.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 24 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 38 wherein said linking member includes a notch disposed between a first end and a second end thereof.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 47 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 39 wherein said lever means includes means for engaging said notch so that said linking member becomes releasably locked with relation to said lever means upon movement of said lever means to at least one of said first and second positions.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 74 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 37 wherein said actuating member is at least partially disposed within said handle portion; and wherein said locking means further includes a linking member pivotally connected to said at least one actuating member and said inner member, said linking member having means disposed thereon for releasably maintaining said linking member with respect to said handle portion such that said inner member becomes releasably locked in said first position.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 28 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 41 wherein said locking means further includes a notch disposed between a first end and a second end of said linking member.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 48 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 42 wherein said lining member includes means for engaging said notch so that said linking member is releasably maintained relative to said lever means upon movement of said actuating member to at least one of said first position and said second position.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 184 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a housing portion; an endoscopic portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said housing potion, including an inner member slidable within an outer tube member between at least a first position and a second position, said endoscopic potion terminating at said distal end in a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation and relatively pivotal about a common point between at least an open position and a closed position; and a jaw control mechanism associated with said housing portion, which includes: at least one rotatable means mounted in said housing portion for actuating said jaw members such that an operator of said instrument can manipulate said instrument and operate said at least one rotatable means with a single hand from a first position to a second position to move said jaw members from said open position to said closed position and from said second position to said first position to move said jaw members from said closed position to said open position.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 184 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a housing portion; an endoscopic portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said housing potion, including an inner member slidable within an outer tube member between at least a first position and a second position, said endoscopic potion terminating at said distal end in a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation and relatively pivotal about a common point between at least an open position and a closed position; and a jaw control mechanism associated with said housing portion, which includes: at least one rotatable means mounted in said housing portion for actuating said jaw members such that an operator of said instrument can manipulate said instrument and operate said at least one rotatable means with a single hand from a first position to a second position to move said jaw members from said open position to said closed position and from said second position to said first position to move said jaw members from said closed position to said open position.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 22 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 44 further comprising locking means associated with said housing portion for releasably locking said jaw members.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 74 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 45 wherein said locking means includes a linking member pivotally connected to said rotatable means and said inner member, said linking member having means disposed thereon for releasably locking said linking member with respect to said housing portion such that when said at least one rotatable means is moved in relation to said housing portion to said second position, said jaws become releasably locked in said closed position.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 214 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a housing portion; an endoscopic portion extending from said housing portion and having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said housing portion, including an inner member slidable within an outer tube member between a first position and a second position, a tool mechanism movable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation operably associated with said inner and outer members and extending from a distal end of said endoscopic portion; and tool mechanism control means associated with said housing portion, comprising at least one actuating means mounted in said housing portion and rotatable about an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of said surgical instrument, between a first position to a second position, for actuating said tool mechanism between said at least first and second orientations, such that an operator of said instrument can manipulate said instrument and operate said at least one actuating means with a single hand by moving said at least one actuating means from said first position to said second position to actuate said tool mechanism to said second orientation and from said second position to said first position to actuate said tool mechanism to said first orientation.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 214 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a housing portion; an endoscopic portion extending from said housing portion and having a proximal end and a distal end, said endoscopic portion comprising a pair of coaxial members attached at said proximal end to said housing portion, including an inner member slidable within an outer tube member between a first position and a second position, a tool mechanism movable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation operably associated with said inner and outer members and extending from a distal end of said endoscopic portion; and tool mechanism control means associated with said housing portion, comprising at least one actuating means mounted in said housing portion and rotatable about an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of said surgical instrument, between a first position to a second position, for actuating said tool mechanism between said at least first and second orientations, such that an operator of said instrument can manipulate said instrument and operate said at least one actuating means with a single hand by moving said at least one actuating means from said first position to said second position to actuate said tool mechanism to said second orientation and from said second position to said first position to actuate said tool mechanism to said first orientation.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 22 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 47 further comprising locking means associated with said housing portion for releasably locking said tool mechanism.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 79 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 48 wherein said locking means includes a linking member pivotally connected to said rotatable means and said inner member, said linking member having means disposed thereon for releaseably locking said linking member with respect to said housing portion such that when said at least one rotatable means is moved in relation to said housing portion in a first direction to a first position, said tool mechanism becomes releasably locked in said second orientation.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 143 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle portion; a body assembly secured to said handle portion; a tool mechanism operable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation extending from a distal end of said body assembly; rotatable actuating means associated with said handle portion such that said rotatable actuating means are rotatable between a first position and a second position about an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of said instrument, for actuating said tool mechanism, whereby movement of said actuating means from said first position to said second position actuates said tool mechanism to said second orientation and movement of said actuating mans from said second position to said first position actuates said tool mechanism to said first orientation, such that an operator of said instrument can manipulate said instrument and operate said rotatable actuating means with a single hand.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 143 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle portion; a body assembly secured to said handle portion; a tool mechanism operable between at least a first orientation and a second orientation extending from a distal end of said body assembly; rotatable actuating means associated with said handle portion such that said rotatable actuating means are rotatable between a first position and a second position about an axis transverse to a longitudinal axis of said instrument, for actuating said tool mechanism, whereby movement of said actuating means from said first position to said second position actuates said tool mechanism to said second orientation and movement of said actuating mans from said second position to said first position actuates said tool mechanism to said first orientation, such that an operator of said instrument can manipulate said instrument and operate said rotatable actuating means with a single hand.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 19 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 50 wherein said rotatable actuating means includes at least one rotatable actuation member.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 41 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 50 wherein said rotatable actuating means includes a pair of rotatable actuation members mounted within said handle means such that said tool mechanism is operable upon actuation of either of said pair of actuation members.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 136 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle portion; a body assembly secured to said handle portion; a pair of jaw members extending from a distal end of said body assembly, said jaw members being operable between a first position and a second position; rotatable actuating means associated with said handle portion and operable between a first and second position, for actuating said jaw members between said first and second positions, whereby movement of said rotatable actuating means from said first position to said second position moves said jaw members to said second position and movement of said rotatable actuating means from said second position to said first position moves said jaw members to said first position, such that an operator of said instrument can manipulate said instrument and operate said rotatable actuating means with a single hand.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 136 words

A surgical instrument comprising: a handle portion; a body assembly secured to said handle portion; a pair of jaw members extending from a distal end of said body assembly, said jaw members being operable between a first position and a second position; rotatable actuating means associated with said handle portion and operable between a first and second position, for actuating said jaw members between said first and second positions, whereby movement of said rotatable actuating means from said first position to said second position moves said jaw members to said second position and movement of said rotatable actuating means from said second position to said first position moves said jaw members to said first position, such that an operator of said instrument can manipulate said instrument and operate said rotatable actuating means with a single hand.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 19 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 53 wherein said rotatable actuating means includes at least one rotatable actuation member.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 41 words

A surgical instrument according to claim 53 wherein said rotatable actuating means includes a pair of rotatable actuation members mounted within said handle portion such that said jaw members are operable upon actuation of either of said pair of actuation members.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1998-07-10	1999-01-09	1999-07-11	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2002-07-10	2003-01-09	2003-07-11	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2006-07-10	2007-01-09	2007-07-11	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Locking mechanism for endoscopic or laparoscopic surgical instruments

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag